• Maryland: FDA has approved the first blood-based biomarker test to help providers assess patients for Alzheimer's disease and other causes of cognitive decline in primary care settings. The test, which is called Elecsys pTau181, measures plasma levels of phosphorylated tau 181 (p-tau181). P-tau 181 is a key marker of amyloid plaque and tau aggregate pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease. The test is intended for patients ages 55 and older who have symptoms or complaints of cognitive decline and should be used alongside other clinical information to rule out Alzheimer's-related amyloid pathology. The approval was based on a clinical trial of 312 patients finding that the test ruled out Alzheimer's pathology with a 97.9% negative predictive value. "By enabling use in primary care, the Elecsys pTau181 test has the potential to significantly broaden patient access to minimally invasive testing and helps preserve specialist resources," said Roche, the test's manufacturer. "Primary care clinicians can better guide appropriate referrals so neurologists can focus on the patients most likely to need advanced evaluation and treatment." (Phend, MedPage Today, 10/13)
• Pennsylvania: Jefferson Health is laying off 650 employees, or around 1% of its 65,000-person workforce. Jefferson Health cut 171 workers in January by outsourcing several of its back-office functions after it merged with Lehigh Valley Health Network in August 2024. For the most recent fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Health's parent organization, reported a $195.5 million operating loss, significantly higher than its $1.3 million operating income the last fiscal year. "Like many organizations in healthcare and higher education, we are facing significant financial headwinds," said Jefferson CEO Joseph Cacchione. "To sustain our mission and continue serving our communities, we must take thoughtful, strategic actions to align our operations for the future. While these decisions are never easy, they are necessary to ensure Jefferson remains strong and able to invest in expanding access to care, advancing innovation and supporting those who rely on us most." (Muoio, Fierce Healthcare, 10/16)
• Washington: Amazon One Medical has launched a new pay-per-visit telehealth service for children ages two to 11. Ther service offers treatment for several health conditions, including pink eye, head lice, eczema, contact dermatitis, diaper rash, and more. Parents will also be able to renew prescriptions for EpiPens and asthma medications through the service. Message-based visits start at $29 while video visits cost $49. According to a company news release, the service is geared toward families without insurance or those who would prefer to not use insurance for occasional care needs. "As a parent, I am all too familiar with taking a child who doesn’t feel well to urgent care and waiting too long, only to spend ten minutes with a clinician," said Bergen Elsa, general manager for Amazon One Medical Pay-per-visit. "This service makes it easier for families to connect with trusted family care providers, day or night, saving time and money while providing peace of mind to parents and helping kids feel better sooner." (Diaz, Becker's Health IT, 10/16; Amazon news release, 10/16) 

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